Lene on the Podium in Champery
Specialized Factory Racing | September 15, 2009
With Lene in the blue UCI leaders jersey it was going to be an exciting race as the points difference between the top 3 ladies was too close to determine who would have it after the final race in Schladming. Irina Kalientieva in third overall was the new world champion and Elisabeth Osl in second had decided against traveling to Australia so that she could prepare for the final two rounds.
The downpour the previous day made for new decisions regarding tyre selection and Lene opted for her favourite intermediate, the Sauserwind 1.80. After the start loop Lene unfortunately crashed and found herself in tenth position. Considering stopping in the tech zone to fix her broken shifter she pushed on after what she calls was a “mental reboot”.
On the front the Italian girl riding for Colnago flatted giving Elisabeth Osl the lead which she held till the end taking the leaders jersey away. After a convincing fightback Lene had worked herself back onto the podium and finished in third place.
With one race to go the overall has turned into a numbers game with just a few points separating Lene and Osl. Homeground advantage favours Osl but as we have come to see this season it is never over till the end and with a good ride Lene could still take the overall World Cup win.
